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The Kidney Failure Glossary L – P

M

membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) (MEMbruh-noh-proh-LIF-ur-uh-tiv) (gloh-MAIR-yoo-loh-nehFRY-tiss): a disease in which inflammation leads to scarring in the glomeruli, causing proteinuria, hematuria, and sometimes chronic kidney disease or end-stage renal disease. MPGN occurs primarily in children and young adults.

N

nephrologist (neh-FROL-uh-jist): doctor who treats people who have kidney problems or related conditions, such as hypertension.

nephrology (neh-FROL-uh-jee): a branch of medicine concerned with diseases of the kidneys.

nephron (NEF-ron): a tiny part of the kidneys. Each kidney is made up of about 1 million nephrons, which are the working units of the kidneys, removing wastes and extra fluids from the blood.

nephrotic syndrome (nef-ROT-ik) (SIN-drohm): a collection of symptoms that indicate kidney damage. Symptoms include high levels of protein in the urine, lack of protein in the blood, and high blood cholesterol.

nuclear scan (NOO-klee-ur) (skan): a test of the structure, blood flow, and function of the kidneys. The doctor injects a mildly radioactive solution into a patient’s arm vein and uses x rays to monitor its progress through the kidneys.